He told arsenal.com: "It was in a very important period and it was important that people coming from Europe worked seriously. I must say that it was a human experience as well as a football experience because you are still isolated because you are far away from European culture.

"Sometimes you feel lonely but it's a good test for the passion you have for the game. It was a great experience as well because people have such a desire to do well that you feel you have to absolutely always give the maximum to please these people."